Chapter 144

Not this time.

Alice raised her weapon. "Graves!"

He turned, and for the first time, she saw something in his eyes, surprise. 

"You never learn," he muttered.

She fired. 

Graves staggered, clutching his side. But he didn't fall. He pulled his own weapon, but Alice was faster. Another shot rang out.

This time, he went down.

She approached cautiously, her gun trained on him. Blood pooled beneath him, his breath coming in ragged gasps. 

He chuckled. "Guess… you win."

Alice didn't answer. She watched as the life drained from his eyes. 

It was over.

By the time she emerged from the tunnel, the compound was secure. The hostages were safe. The battle had cost them, but they had won.

Max met her at the entrance, his expression unreadable. "Is he…"

"Dead," she confirmed.

For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight lifted from her shoulders.